Ranch Rivalries

Worksheet Description

This section shows George and Lennie’s arrival at the ranch, where they meet suspicion, jealousy, and potential sources of conflict. The boss distrusts their partnership, Curley resents Lennie immediately, and Curley’s wife appears flirtatious but also trapped in her role. In contrast, Slim earns respect through quiet authority, and Candy symbolizes aging and insecurity. George must shield Lennie from conflict as tensions rise.

This worksheet sharpens students’ skills in character analysis and conflict identification. It asks them to explore first impressions, underlying motivations, and power dynamics among characters. By doing so, they practice interpreting social hierarchies and foreshadowing future struggles. This builds critical thinking by linking individual character traits to larger societal commentary.